Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris

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JETS Swim Team Holds Annual Swim-a-thon Fundraiser

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA JETS Swim Team held its annual Swim-a-thon fundraiser at the Galowich Family YMCA on Sunday, November 12. Each swimmer had one hour to complete as many laps in the pool as possible, and the 54 participants (51 athletes, three coaches) combined to to swim 5,764 laps – a total of more than 81 miles!

The Y would like to thank everyone who made this event possible and congratulate the individual swimmers who won prizes for completing the most laps in their swimming age group:

Zeppelin – Kolin Linko (113)
Glider – Aurelia Watson (136)
Stunt Pilot – Olivia Eager (156)
Mach 1 – Jackson Tunno (128)
Mach 2 – Thomas Zbranek (179)
Mach 3 – Johnny Halloran (196)

So far the JETS have raised nearly $11,500 and donations will continue to be collected through Tuesday, November 28. Donate today by visiting their fundraiser homepage.

To learn more about the JETS, please contact:

Dave Hedden
Director of Competitive Aquatics
[email protected]

You can also see additional updates on the JETS Facebook page.

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Skills That Last a Lifetime: Free YMCA Swim Lessons Being Offered This Holiday Season

As America’s most trusted swim instructor, the Y has been teaching kids how to swim for more than 100 years. This holiday season, the Galowich Family YMCA is partnering with the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance to offer free swim lessons for YMCA kids, ages 6-12.

Kids of all swimming abilities are welcome and encouraged to register for this exciting three-day program. Spots are limited, so register today!

MAKE A SPLASH AT THE Y OVER WINTER BREAK
January 3-5, 2024
5:30-6:15 p.m.

Open to YMCA Facility Members only. Registered participants must be able to attend all three days of lessons.

REGISTER TODAY

Made possible thanks to a generous Step Into Swim grant from the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance.

 

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA Members Invited to Complete Aquatics Survey

Each year, the Y welcomes individuals of all ages to learn the invaluable life skill of swimming at our facilities. And now we’d like to hear from you. As we strive to meet the ever-evolving needs of our YMCA community, we have designed a short electronic survey to gather feedback. This survey only takes a few minutes to complete, and those who complete the survey will be entered into a raffle to win a free session of YMCA swim lessons. (One winner per branch.)

Select your local Y branch below below to begin:

C.W. Avery Family YMCA

Galowich Family YMCA

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA Mission Strong Fund Receives $10,000 Donation from CITGO Lemont Refinery

Every day the YMCA affirms its commitment to making a positive impact in the community. Y programs provide opportunities for all generations, ensuring that every individual feels a sense of belonging. And as a non-profit, community-based organization, the YMCA relies on the generosity of its members and the support of charitable giving to provide services and financial assistance for children, adults and families living in our community.

That is why the YMCA would like to thank the CITGO Lemont Refinery, which recently provided a $10,000 donation in support of the YMCA Mission Strong Fund, helping ensure that nobody is turned away from the Y due to the inability to pay.

“We are so grateful for CITGO and we are humbled by this generous gift to the Y,” said Greater Joliet Area YMCA Chief Executive Officer Katy Leclair. “CITGO is a long-time supporter of YMCA initiatives and we continue to be inspired by their dedication to helping us serve our community,” added Leclair.

To learn more about the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund, please click here. To show your support by making a donation, please click here. 

Pictured in top photo: (L-R) CITGO Lemont Refinery Public Affairs Manager  Jennifer Hannon, CITGO Lemont Refinery Communications Advisor Brittany Borosak, Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair, Greater Joliet Area YMCA Mission Advancement Director Donnie Chestnutt, Greater Joliet Area YMCA Chief Operating Officer Missy Durkin.

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Vote for the Greater Joliet Area YMCA in Hometown National Bank’s ‘Giving Back Together’ Contest

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is excited to participate in this fall’s ‘Giving Back Together’ contest held by Hometown National Bank, which invites the community to vote for their favorite local 501(c)3 nonprofit. Hometown National Bank will donate $2,500 and create a promotional highlight video for the top overall vote recipient.

Participants can cast a vote here.

Voting is underway and will continue through Tuesday, November 28.

When voting select:

YMCA

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA Staff and Volunteers Hold Beam Signing Ceremony at Future Site of Morris Hospital YMCA

Volunteer and staff leaders from the Greater Joliet Area YMCA and Morris Hospital and Healthcare Centers gathered at the future site of the Morris Hospital YMCA for a special beam signing ceremony on Monday, October 16. 

YMCA Chief Operating Officer Missy Durkin kicked off the event by welcoming guests and introducing YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair. Leclair offered an invocation and expressed gratitude for the dedication and service from all those involved with the project and invited Morris Hospital and Healthcare Centers President and CEO Tom Dohm to speak about the importance of the Hospital’s partnership with the Y. 

Dohm noted the common vision both organizations share to promote healthy living for residents of all ages in Morris and Grundy County, and spoke about the exciting opportunities that lie ahead to expand programs and services to the community when the new facility opens.

Dohm then introduced Grundy Bank President and CEO and Morris Community YMCA Council Chairman Kevin Olson, who thanked government officials across federal, state, and local levels for their continued support of the project.

Olson introduced 16th U.S. District Representative Darin LaHood, who spoke about including the Morris Hospital YMCA in his 2024 Community Project Funding requests; 38th District Illinois State Senator Sue Rezin, who discussed the impact of securing funding from the state of Illinois; and City of Morris Mayor Chris Brown, who expressed the community’s unwavering support of its $2 million investment in the facility. 

YMCA Board of Directors Chairman Guy Christensen then concluded the program by recognizing the incredible work of the Morris Community YMCA Capital Campaign Leadership Cabinet, whose extensive efforts to raise awareness and funds for the new building have allowed the dream to build a full-facility YMCA in Grundy County to become a reality. Christensen then invited all those in attendance to ceremoniously autograph their name on a steel beam that will be placed in the heart of the new facility, which is expected to open to the community in early 2025.

To learn more about the future Morris Hospital YMCA or to make a donation to the Capital Campaign, please visit the Morris Community YMCA Capital Campaign homepage today.

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